Hayward, CA asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Probate for California

Q: Can a remainderman sign a correction affidavit of death of life tenant if someone else signed the orig. Affidavit?

The original Affidavit of Death of A Life Tenant (ADLT) with a wrong legal description of a house was signed and recorded by the Life Tenant's daughter in Santa Clara County, California. Can a remainderman named in the Life Estate referenced in the ADLT sign the Correction ADLT with a correct legal description?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes, in California, a remainderman named in the Life Estate can sign a Correction Affidavit of Death of a Life Tenant (ADLT) even if they were not the one who signed the original affidavit. If the original ADLT contains an incorrect legal description of the property, it is important to correct this error to ensure the property records accurately reflect the current status of the estate.

As a remainderman with a vested interest in the property following the death of the life tenant, you have the legal standing to sign the Correction ADLT. This corrected document should clearly state the accurate legal description of the property and reference the original ADLT that contained the error.

Before filing the Correction ADLT, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional experienced in estate or property law to ensure that the document is completed correctly and complies with all legal requirements. Once the Correction ADLT is properly prepared, it should be filed with the county recorder's office in Santa Clara County, where the property is located.

This process is crucial to ensure that the property records accurately reflect the current legal status and ownership details, which is important for future transactions or estate planning purposes. Remember, handling estate matters can be complex, so seeking professional legal advice is always a prudent step.

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